Azerbaijani Leader Emphasizes Strategic Partnerships with China at SCO+ Summit
On September 1, Ilham Aliyev stated during his speech at the SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin, China, that relations between Azerbaijan and China had reached a qualitatively new level over the past two years. President Aliyev emphasized that "Azerbaijan and China are connected by warm, friendly relations and a comprehensive strategic partnership. Deepening these relations is one of the important directions of Azerbaijan's foreign policy." He described the signing of a joint statement establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries earlier this year as a historic event that opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.
During the meeting, President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s active support for China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, which aim to promote international peace, security, and development. He also welcomed the Global Governance Initiative as "an important and timely measure aimed at improving international relations based on the sovereign equality of states and respect for the UN Charter and international law." President Aliyev described Azerbaijan as a reliable partner of China in the region, noting that the country contributes to maintaining international and regional peace and security while implementing large-scale economic, transport, and energy projects. He added that Azerbaijan was among the first to support China’s One Belt, One Road initiative and is executing significant practical projects in that direction.
Highlighting transport infrastructure, the President stated, "The Middle Corridor represents a reliable and safe route connecting China and Central Asia with Europe through Azerbaijan. Since 2022, the volume of cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor through Azerbaijan has increased by almost 90%." He also noted that transit time for cargo has been significantly reduced and that recent agreements connecting Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are expected to expand international transportation opportunities. President Aliyev further underlined that the Zangezur Corridor would soon become another key segment of the Middle Corridor, along with the North-South Corridor, enhancing peace and multilateral partnerships. He emphasized that the Zangezur Corridor would benefit all of Azerbaijan’s neighbors to the east, west, north, and south.
On September 3, a parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's resistance against Japanese aggression and the Victory in World War II was held in Beijing. Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event at Tiananmen Square. They were welcomed by President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan.
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